VSY motor yacht Stella Maris

Invited to join the speakers’ panel on “The use of glass on super yachts”, Bennewitz shared with the audience some of the problems faced and the solutions taken in order to meet with the client’s main wishes to have a villa-like feeling on the yacht Stella Maris, to maximize the pleasure of life on board in all seasons of the year, to assure the best privacy for himself and his guests and to have a certified helideck.

The Stella Maris yacht project – entrusted to the expertise of the architect Espen Øino in cooperation with Laurent Giles Naval Architects – has in fact been developed to blend traditional elements of design and layout with new variations on a theme – such as the staggered internal decks, the ceiling height in the main saloons raised to 270 cm and the large glass walls and windows.

VSY Motor yacht STELLA MARIS - MAIN SALOON

The internal and external spaces of yacht Stella Maris has in fact been interpreted in a very unconventional way, introducing spectacular glass walls, such as in the two main saloons and the Owner’s cabin, thus allowing the eye to see and enjoy beyond what would normally be a rigid barrier.

To implement the owner’s vision entirely, a climate-controlled veranda and a vertical garden have also been included, to enjoy green landscapes at sea with real house-plants crossing the decks, besides providing home-size furniture for the interior.

VSY Superyacht STELLA MARIS - UPPER SALOON

All of this has meant confronting a list of substantial challenges, like: weight increase and naval architecture, reduced glass thermal insulation, acoustic protection and privacy, structural design and selection and specifications of the type of glass to be used, especially considering that the yacht is also equipped with a certified helideck.

The very good results obtained on the Stella Maris superyacht, currently under construction and to be launched for the coming season, are leading VSY to consider a new family feeling represented by a design based on a “villa on the sea” concept, including large glass walls to be used onboard.

The Difference.

Extreme avant-garde technology, maniacal attention to detail, timeless design, total fulfilment of the customer’s wishes, real environmental protection, high respect for the workforce health and safety: this is the essence of VSY-Viareggio Superyachts’ philosophy of work on all fronts. Since 2004 the shipyard based in Italy’s focal yacht building area, Viareggio, has been engaged in building mega-yachts of over 60 metres and is by now widely recognized as builders of the highest calibre – already winning prestigious international awards with their first 62-metre charter yacht Candyscape II.

At VSY the best expression of luxury and comfort is however achieved in the respect of the marine environment on all fronts, obtaining strict and prestigious Certifications such as the RINA Green Star Plus Gold, ABS ES (Environment Safety) and Lloyd’s EP (Environmental Protection).

The long list of features and care they put into their Total Eco-Yachts is impressive:

- wide use of recyclable materials;

- redundancy also for the system of water treatment able to produce biologically transparent and odorless discharges running on 2 units;

- electric auxiliary engines for use in harbor and wherever it is advisable to avoid running of the main engine, resulting in a vastly reduced environmental impact, especially in terms of noise;

- a Green Anchoring system to station the yacht by dynamic positioning in those areas where traditional anchoring is forbidden because potentially damaging, for example, to coral reefs and Scandinavian fjords;

- installation of last generation particle filters for the highest possible smoke reduction in the exhaust system;

- recycling of the heat from the generator exhausts to produce hot water on board;

- study and definition of an eco-productive maintenance system for continuous integrated monitoring (extended to post-delivery) of the eco-systems and appliances installed, providing also a dedicated ergonomic training software platform for the manning of the yacht.

This results in a simple but effective formula: Maximum Efficiency on Minimum Energy – with Limited Damage to the eco-system. All of this is in pursuit of VSY’S essential mission: to produce a few but exclusive super-yachts, totally custom-built, innovative and technologically superlative. Simply unique yachts which fully embrace the Yard’s Eco Green vision, introducing the new exclusive concept of “deeper luxury”.

Following the great success of their 62-metre, superyacht Candyscape II and motor yacht Roma, VSY-Viareggio Superyachts are now busy completing their next two super yachts: a 72-metre flagship scheduled for the 2012 season, and a 64-metre at present awaiting the discerning client for completion in 2013.

Yacht STELLA MARIS Technical Specifications

Length Over All 72.10 m

Beam (max) 12.60 m

Draft 3.70 m

Guest 10 + 2 (owner)

Crew 18 + 2 (captain)

Total Guest Surface area 1154 m2 of which: Interior areas 628 m2

Average per guest 52 m2

External Areas 526 m2

Average per guest 44 m2

Construction type Steel/Aluminum

Classification Lloyd’s Register

Gross Tonnage 2270 GRT (approx.)

PERFORMANCE Maximum speed 17 Knots

Range at 12 Knots 5500 nm

Stability assured by QUANTUM XT ZERO SPEED stabilizers system

HELIDECK Fully Certified HCA/MCA Landing Helideck

Night Landing Allowed AV/

ENTERTAINMENT AND CONTROL SYSTEM The ship will be provided with a centralized entertainment system in all main guest and owner areas including (EXAMPLE): Audio/Video System CCTV interface Light&Cabin Control System Audio/Video on demand server LCD touch screen controls LED TV screens Sat TV connection Light control Curtain control Air conditioning control Integrated Messaging & Paging System Cisco Integrated Network (IP phone, wireless LAN, Remote Access)

WELLNESS Hamman Steam sauna Gymnasium Massage room Two Jacuzzi pools (or similar) on the sun deck

TENDER & TOYS 2 x 24’ Tenders 2 x Jet ski 1 x Rescue Tender

ENERGY SPECIFICATION PROPULSION Main propulsion system 2 x Caterpillar 3516B tier II Max & continuous power 2000 kW at 1600 RPM each Rolls-Royce Kamewa CPP propeller ELECTRICAL POWER Main generators 4 x LINDEMBERG LIAM/MAN Max & continuous power 290 ekW each Emergency generator LINDEMBERG LIAG/SISU 645 DSBIG Max & continuous power 149 ekW

MANOEUVRING The ship is equipped with a Kongsberg K-POS system for dynamic positioning with joystick control, operating with all the propulsion and manoeuvring system: Bow thruster VOITH – 260 kW Stern thruster SHOTTEL PUMP JET 350 kW – 360°

AUTOMATION AND MONITORING SYSTEM A KONGSBERG Integrated Control system will be installed, providing seamless integration of Navigation, Propulsion Control and Ship Automation functionality. ENVIRONMENTAL The ship complies with the Lloyd’s Register

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION notations, including but not limited to: P – Particle filter and Tetravalent catalyst for Diesel Generator M – Main engines and Diesel Generator EIAPP certified H – HVAC, pool water and hot water heating system from DDGG gas exhaust recycling. F – Fluoropolimer Anti-fouling coating, no biocides, high efficiency, high durability S – Black and grey water Biodisk Sewage treatment Garbage pollution prevention O – Oily bilge water separator 5 ppm R – Refrigeration systems CFC-free. Green Anchoring (DP function)

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

Naval Architect: Laurent Giles Naval Architects

Exterior design by Espen Øino International

Interior design by Michela Reverberi

Engineering by Viareggio Superyachts in collaboration with Pro Ship Yacht Design & Executive Partners.

HAIDA G - Profile

HAIDA G - Profile Underway

HAIDA G - Formal Dining

HAIDA G - On The Sundeck

Classic motor yacht Dona Amélia (ex Haida G), is a very large and unique superyacht launched in 1929. Measuring 71m (233′ 3″) in length, her age, size and grandeur produce emotive feelings in those who see her out cruising on the ocean or experience the luxuries aboard the superyacht.

Yacht Dona Amélia (ex. Haida G) is a fine example of a large classic motor yacht from the golden era of private yachting – a first class luxury gentleman’s yacht built in a wonderful bygone age.

With seven cabins, classic superyacht Dona Amélia offers unique style, sophistication and grace. Her various saloons, the Library and the beautiful Main Saloon are complemented by the most attractive Aft Deck with a full alfresco dining table and a superb cushioned ‘fan-tail’ seating area.

Classic superyacht Dona Amelia has room for 12 guests in 7 cabins including an Owner’s suite, 2 x VIP cabins with queen size beds, double cabin (queen size bed), 2 x twin cabins.

50m Motor yacht JoyMe by Philip Zepter Yachts ready to be delivered

The luxury yacht JoyMe offers accommodation for up to 12 guests in two master suites and four double staterooms and has crew quarters for 12 crew members.

The design concept for the motor yacht JoyMe stems from the owners desire to produce something different and very personal – a true reflection of his taste, which he had been unable to find in existing yachts in the superyacht market.

This challenge was addressed by producing an interior universe with many different dimensions. Each compartment of space within the yachts interior was treated as a separate entity with its own story and philosophy, benefitting from its own atmosphere, communicating different emotions and feelings to its guests. Rather than creating an interior with a uniform atmosphere, the client wanted a space with enough flexibility to suit his every mood.

50m Motor yacht JoyMe Master Cabin by Philip Zepter Yachts

All the individual spaces within the yacht’s interior however are connected by a common thread, which was to create a young and dynamic, yet comfortable and functional interior with an emphasis on good communication between different areas so as to make it supremely user-friendly.

Another distinctive design feature of yacht JoyMe’s interior is the emphasis on the concept of open space, where different areas for different moods were created within the same space by avoiding compartmentalisation.

50m Motor yacht JoyMe Main salon by Philip Zepter Yachts

As demonstrated by the layout and design of the main salon, the premise is that a space can stand on its own as a tangibly different entity without necessarily being physically separated from others.

Salon of the 50m Motor yacht JoyMe by Philip Zepter Yachts

Importance was also given to natural light, as well as a concealed lighting system that provides an elegant and warm interior during the evenings.

50m Motor yacht JoyMe by Philip Zepter Yachts - Double Cabin

50m Motor yacht JoyMe by Philip Zepter Yachts - Twin Cabin

The JoyMe yacht’s exterior styling with a special paint scheme emphasises the elegance of lines by visually lowering the profile and by bringing it closer to the water. By accenting the exterior design with flowing lines, perforated textures and prints in order to highlight the length rather than the height, the proportions are more balanced and harmonious. The yacht JoyMe creates a  dynamic visual impression which many modern yachts lose in an effort to maximise inner volume.

50m Motor yacht JoyMe by Philip Zepter Yachts

The essence of this design philosophy is also contained in the yacht’s name: JoyMe.” In the client’s view, most yachts are an invitation to relax and rest, without isolating himself in some sort of a cocoon. This is why this design is an invitation to get up and move, travel and be active and interactive in a joyous atmosphere. As such, his philosophy is quite different from a great majority of ‘mainstream’ yachts.”

Built in steel and aluminium to Bureau Veritas class, superyacht JoyMe is able to cruising at a speed of 14 knots with a range of 3,500 – 4,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.

50m superyacht JoyMe by Philip Zepter Yachts

Specifications of the 50m Motor yacht JoyMe by Philip Zepter Yachts

Project Name: Zepter
Yacht type: Displacement Motor Yacht
Length Overall 49.91m 163.75 ft
Length Waterline 44.42m 145.73 ft
Beam 9.12m 29.92 ft
Draught Max 2.30m 7.55 ft
Shipyard: Philip Zepter Yachts
Year: 2011
Hull: 556
Country of build: Croatia
Exterior Designer: Stand By / Marijana Radovic,
Interior Designer: Stand By / Marijana Radovic
Hull Material: Steel Superstructure: Steel / Aluminium
Gross Tonnage: 620 Displacement: 499
Class: Bureau Veritas
Class Comments:  MCA: Yes
Guest Cabins: 1 Master, 1 VIP, 4 Double
Guests: 12 Max Charter Guests:
Crew Cabins:  Crew: 12
Engine Manufacturer: Cummins Inc. Model: KTA 38M1
Number of Engines: 2
Type: Diesel
HP: 1,100
KW: 820
Total HP: 2,200
Total KW: 1,641
Max Speed: 15
Cruise Speed: 14
Range: 3,500 – 4,000
Propulsion: Twin Screw
Fuel Capacity 65,000 litres
Water Capacity 48,000 litres

QATARI DIAR buys Port Tarraco Marina in Tarragona, Spain

The high-end Port Tarraco Marina is located in Tarragona, Spain, approximately 95km south of Barcelona, and will be one of the few existing marinas of its kind in the Western Mediterranean to offer deep water berthing for large sophisticated super yachts, mega yachts and giga yachts.

“We are thrilled to be investing in the western Mediterranean’s marina industry, one of the most mature in the world. With our international experience and the expertise of our world-class partners MB92, we expect the Port Tarraco Marina to become one of the top year-round marina destinations for yachts in Europe and the Mediterranean” said Eng.  Mohammed bin Ali Al Hedfa, Group CEO of QATARI DIAR.

Located on Spain’s Costa Dorada, or “Golden Coast,” the marina offers visitors a chance to explore the rich local Catalonian culture, visit the area’s many beaches, or travel to nearby mountains for hiking or skiing. The marina is positioned in close proximity to a large capacity airfield and is centrally located for immediate access to all major cruising grounds and destinations in the Western Mediterranean. It is exclusively designed to provide large yachts with the best possible services and facilities, and boasts an array of leading amenities and excellent accessibility.

QDMT is a joint venture between QATARI DIAR and MB92, a Barcelona based operator of marinas, with 95% representation by QATARI DIAR and 5% by MB92. The purchase was made from vendor International Marina Tarragona S.L., a Spanish marina operator.

Wholly owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, QATARI DIAR Real Estate Investment Company was established in December 2005 to support Qatar’s growing economy and to coordinate the countries real-estate development priorities. QATARI DIAR is currently involved in more than 35 projects in more than 20 countries around the world

About Marina Barcelona 92 (MB92):

Marina Barcelona 92 is a company fully dedicated to the yacht industry and provides service refit,  repair and maintenance works to more than 70 superyachts per year with overall lengths from 35 up to 180 metres.

The shipyard covers a surface area of 76,000m2 with the following facilities: a 2,000 ton Syncrolift®, a 210 metres Dry dock, a 125 metres paint shed, a 150 ton Travelift, docking repair quays with the capacity to berth 8 yachts up to 110 metres in length, a berthing repair area for six yachts up to 200 metres in length, and a 4,000 ton Syncrolift® which will be operable in 2013.

MB92 has commissioned Mourjan Marinas IGY to drive the global marketing effort and work alongside MB92 to provide Port Tarraco with a fresh injection of luxury marin

About Port Tarraco Marina:

- 64 berths for boats between 30 and 160 metres LOA

- 9 metres draught

- 140m length waiting dock

- Up to 1250 amp power outlets

- Electricity supply, fresh water, Internet, satellite

- CCTV and 24-hour surveillance

- Ship chandler

- Dedicated Customer Service

66m Superyacht by Delta Marine – Hull number 211042 in build

With remarkable beam and tonnage, the yacht will have expansive interior volume and offer more headroom, greater fuel capacity, and enhanced ability to accommodate extended worldwide cruising.

With naval architecture, space planning and exterior styling by the Delta Design Group, hull 211042 has an impressive size balanced with tailored lines and classic proportions. Her composite superstructure allows for sculpted shapes and accelerating curves. For the owner’s enjoyment of the outdoors, special consideration was given to the outdoor spaces. Most noteworthy are her fold-down beach cabana at the stern with bar, day head and sauna, her extra large sundeck with pool, and a private owner’s deck off the master stateroom.

The interior, of the new Delta 66m superyacht designed by Diane Johnson Design, is defined by expansive windows, nearly floor to ceiling height, overheads as high as 8’ 4”, and grand foyers. While much of the interior and its details are still being designed, the interior will favor traditional classic yacht design with raised paneling, beamed overheads, fluted columns and polished finishes in traditional veneers.

66m Delta motor yacht Hull 211042 Foredeck Owners View

The upper deck of the 66m Motor yacht by Delta Marine is a private owner’s oasis with forward facing stateroom, private deck, salon and office. This arrangement allows for six large guest cabins to be located forward on the main deck and provides incredible views of the outdoors for both owners and guests. The main deck features a grand main salon with nearly floor to ceiling windows and high overheads. Coupled with the low bulwarks, the result is a dramatic and panoramic view of the outside. Also, on the main deck is a theatre. For entertaining both large parties and intimate gatherings, many of the spaces have been designed for flexible use. In addition, each deck has a sizeable pantry for service.

The Superyacht Hull 211042 will be powered by twin Caterpillar 3516 main engines and carrying over 50,000 gallons of fuel, the yacht will have a 5,000 nautical mile range at 12 knots and a maximum speed of 16.8 knots. Quantum Zero Speed stabilizers and a Schottel bow thruster will ensure manoeuvrability and a nice gentle ride both at anchor and underway. Her tender garage with side hull doors and overhead gantry cranes for deployment will stow two inflatable bottom tenders, jet skis and a custom 28’ Italian style launch. The yacht is being built to Lloyd’s Register and LY2.

Transoceanic, seaworthy and efficient, this yacht will allow her owners and guests to safely and enjoyably travel the world’s seas. Stay tuned for more details and her delivery in 2013.

About Delta – Delta Marine  is a world leader in composite yacht construction, pioneering the use of composite superstructures on metal hulled yachts. Our reputation for building seaworthy, quality vessels is built on years of experience and the drive to create innovative and beautiful yachts. Complete with a team of naval architects, marine engineers and skilled workers with years of experience in specialized fields, Delta expertly combines traditional craftsmanship and the latest technology. We are located just five minutes from Boeing Field, a private jet center, and 10 minutes from Downtown Seattle.

Frommer's names Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas amongst Best Cruise Ships of 2011

 “We are delighted that Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are named among Frommer’s Best Cruise Ships of 2011,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Royal Caribbean offers the widest range of exclusive onboard amenities aboard some of the world’s most innovative cruise ships that cater to vacationers of all ages. It is an honor to be recognized by such a respected brand such as Frommer’s.”

Recently released on frommers.com, the annual Best Cruise Ships list has been compiled by Frommer’s resident cruise experts, Matt Hannafin and Heidi Sarna, and reflects the best-reviewed vessels in their new, 7th edition of Frommer’s Cruises & Ports of Call. In total, 20 ships representing nine design classes made it to the 2011 list.

Allure of the Seas shares the title of the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas.  With a cache of distinct onboard activities and amenities, Allure of the Seas offers one-of-a-kind entertainment performances, culinary concepts, retail venues and technology innovations.  An architectural marvel at sea, Allure’s neighborhoods are divided into seven distinct themed areas, which include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone.  She spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms.  Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas alternates a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean seven-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Motor yacht AIR is an 81 metre (265.7 feet) ship which was designed by De Voogts, built by Feadship and is to be launched in Holland in 2011. Feadship Superyacht AIR has her interior design created by Remi Tessier Design and she was built at Koninklijke de Vries Scheepbouw with Naval Architecture by De Voogt and engineering design by De Vries and De Voogt. Yacht Air was built with a steel hull and with an aluminium superstructure.

Feadship’s AIR is one of the benchmark superyachts in a time where there have been significant recent advances in large private yacht design and an evolution of the products, processes and techniques employed in modern yacht building by the best yacht builders in the world. Feadship, with their fine pedigree of shipbuilding and their recent advances in construction technology showcase the latest in modern superyacht production.

Superyacht AIR a Feadship 81m yacht to be launched in 2011

Luxury yacht Air brings her wonderful ethereal name to her exterior design, the work of Remi Tessier in conjunction with the yacht’s owners. Inside, spaces relate harmoniously with the wall, floor and ceiling structural forms, creating a clean neutrality which is often inspiring. This inspiration also has Art to thank, in many cases, as beautiful artwork has been employed to brilliant effect in punctuating and enhancing M/Y AIR’s lovely interior ambience.

The boat’s interior is large and spacious, in the common areas such as saloon and dining room, and these flow naturally outside through large window and open doorway to similarly generous outdoor entertainment areas on aft and sundeck. At 81 metres in length, and with a beam of 11.6 metres, there is plenty of space for luxurious relaxation. The vessel easily accommodates her 12 guest in 6 roomy staterooms, including the owner suite. All accommodations are fully ensuited.  M/Y AIR has a fully certified heli pad which can, should a client require, be used for commercially operated aircraft.

Needless to say, the Air superyacht has a first rate international crew, headed up by Captain Mark Finch and Captain Stephen Warren, which is able to tend to guests’ every need, requirement and desire.

The Feadship AIR yacht will be crusing the Mediterranean and Europe in the summer of 2011.

Please contact us for more information.

Specifications for Yacht AIR:

LOA: 81m

LWL: 72.6
Beam: 11.6
Draught: 3.55

Builder of Yacht AIR: Koninklijke de Vries Scheepbouw (Feadship)
Exterior Design: De Voogts
Naval Architecture: De Voogts
Engineering Design: De Vries / De Voogts
Interior Design: Remi Tessier Design

Construction: Steel hull, Aluminium Superstructure
Classification: Lloyds Maltese Cross 100A1-SSC Yacht (p) Mono, G6 LMC, UMS
Speed: 17 knot max 15 knots Cruise
Range 5000 Nautical Miles
Engines/power Generation: 3 x C18 Caterpillar 350 Kilowatts, 1 x C9 Cat 250 KW

Gross Tonnage: 1,700
Guest Accommodation: 14 in 6 cabins including owner
Crew accommodation: 20 crew in 12 cabins, plus Captain
Propellers: 5 blade by Wartsila
Shafts: Akerboom Oil Bath
Gearboxes: Reinjes
Stabalisers: 2 x Quantum XT Zero Speed
Bowthruster: Van de Velden 250kw
Monitorin System: Imtech
Electrical: Imtech
Audio Visual Entertainment System: Kalidescape with Ipad & I Pod

After winning the Newcomer interior design Award a few days earlier, presented by ShowBoats International, Sail yacht Chrisco received the ISS Best sailboat from 24m to 40 m and the Best Interior – Power or Sail Awards.

Sailing yacht Chrisco Photo Credit CNB

CNB 100 Sailing yacht Chrisco interior - Photo Credit Nicolas Claris

Sailing yacht Chrisco CNB 100 Cabin - Photo Credit Nicolas Claris

Several yachts built by the Bordeaux based CNB shipyard have been nominated for ISS Awards in the past, and superyacht Chrisco is the 3rd CNB winner after sailing yacht Only Now  in 2002 and S/Y Hamilton II  in 2005.

Olivier Lafourcade, in charge of the Superyachts programme at CNB, commented: “It is a great honour to receive these Awards, especially when you think that Chrisco and her owner have covered about 18.000 miles in 15 months, which also says a lot about her design and quality of build.”

Founded in 1989, the International Superyacht Society is the sole organization serving and representing the large yacht industry worldwide. An elected Board of Directors guides the Society’s activities, which include the International Superyacht Design Awards program and the International Superyacht Society Leadership Awards.

Sailing yacht Chrisco - Photo Credit CNB

Sailing yacht Chrisco from above - Photo Credit Nicolas Claris

Heesen Yachts receives two Gold Neptunes at the 2010 ShowBoats Design Awards. - Photo Credit SuperYachtMedia

The 47-m Heesen superyacht Blind Date won the prize for ‘Bespoke Furniture’ for the expanding dining table.

The 47-m Heesen superyacht Blind Date takes the prize for ‘Bespoke Furniture’ for the expanding dining table. Photo Credit SuperYachtMedia

The 47-m Heesen superyacht Blind Date takes the prize for ‘Bespoke Furniture’ for the expanding dining table - Photo Credit SuperYachtMedia

The judges considered the expanding burl elm table on Heesen superyacht Blind Date, designed by Keech Green, the most serious piece of furniture shortlisted for this award and a true work of art.

The design itself was inspired by the original 19th century Robert Juple table, but its 21st century incarnation impressed the judges with its intricate artistry, hand craftsmanship, and ingenious engineering that allow the table to expand to seat 12 by turning the top through 90 degrees.

The 44-m Heesen superyacht Jems takes the prize for “Exterior Recreational Area”

The 44-m Heesen superyacht Jems takes the prize for “Exterior Recreational Area” - Photo Credit SuperYachtMedia

The judges appreciate the multi-use sundeck area on Heesen motor yacht Jems, comprising two spaces with numerous family and entertaining permutations centered around the bar and the spa pool. The judges lauded the innovation of the design of Eric Benqué. By making use of a few cleverly designed, space-saving furniture pieces – switchable table tops that raise or lower, seating that transform from bar stools into dining chairs, sun pad cushions that convert into multiple seating and lounging arrangements, plus a retractable outdoor movie screen – guests can adapt the space to various activities or needs.

Eric Benqué states: “The Sea as a context induces new behaviours for passengers and invites a fresh look at their constantly changing environment. My challenge was to consider every element from the nautical point of view to ease life onboard and allow a natural flow of energy between guests and their environment.”

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine

“I can honestly say that I would never ever build another boat again without going back to Feadship,” says Lord Laidlaw after his first week sailing onboard Lady Christine, confirming that his wife (after whom the yacht is named) feels very much the same. “We set exceptionally high standards for our houses, boats and cars yet, in every way possible, Feadship have exceeded our expectations on this project.”

Irvine and Christine Laidlaw certainly have sufficient benchmarks to make such a statement. The couple have built a succession of multi-million-pound sail yachts called Highland Fling, which have given Lord Laidlaw many international racing triumphs and cemented his position as a world-class sailor. They have also built two major motoryachts with Heesen (38 metres) and Oceanco (50 metres) so have a clear reference point when it comes to Dutch quality. The owner’s decision to build a new Feadship was influenced by the exceptional comfort levels they experienced onboard the previously owned 40.00m Feadship superyacht Seaflower, which they cruised extensively in locations off the beaten track.

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine - Main Deck Lounge

Major involvement

Leveraging on all their rich building and sailing experiences, the Laidlaws threw themselves into the design and construction of motor yacht Lady Christine. “I think Feadship would confirm that we were among the most involved and detailed owners with whom they have partnered. We visited the yard on countless occasions and spent an enormous amount of time working with Rodney Black, the interior designer and Royal Van Lent on even the smallest details. I must have signed off hundreds of drawings.”

To illustrate the point, Lord Laidlaw cites the example of the infrared sensor units that keep the electric doors open in his study. “We set an additional sensor in at a low level in order to ensure that the doors cannot close on our dogs, who travel with us at all times. Another illustration is the light switches, which we have kept to a minimum onboard Lady Christine. Wherever there is more than one switch we made sure that each was individually labelled so one knows exactly which button to press. I even spent four days in the fabric department at Harrods with Christine and Rodney selecting materials, so building a yacht is obviously something we really enjoy doing.”

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine - Dining Room

Influential features

The direct influence of the owners can be seen in many distinctive features on-board Lady Christine superyacht, including her unique exterior looks, the creation of a split-level layout in order to incorporate an owner’s observation lounge, the ‘terraces’ either side of the main deck, and the addition of an extra helm station on the sun deck. Despite his exceptional degree of involvement, however, the Feadship designers and craftsmen still managed to surprise Lord Laidlaw with extra touches that were not in the original specs.

“Take the stairs that link the sun deck with the owner’s deck,” continues Lord Laidlaw. “Any other yard would have simply brought these stairs straight down. Curving them in the way Feadship has done must have cost them a significant amount of extra time as the central spine also had to be formed into a curved shape along with the stairs and the banisters themselves. It is all beautifully done, and the initiative came entirely from the yard itself.

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine - Main Deck Lounge - Mini Deck Bar

“Similarly, my original idea for the swimming pool on the main deck aft was that the water would flow over the top and spill down over the glass on the stern in an infinity pool concept. The yard decided that this would not work as the water would swing from side to side with even the slightest movement of the yacht. Moreover, swimming pool water is apparently not every good for a yacht exterior. Feadship therefore devised a completely different system whereby the pool water washes into a drain, while the infinity pool effect is created by jet spray nozzles evenly distributed across the stern. Again this ingenious solution must have cost more but we were not charged a penny extra: Feadship simply did what they knew would be best to meet our briefing. This is what I mean by exceeding expectations.”

At home abroad

Lord and Lady Laidlaw also felt very much at home on their regular visits to the Netherlands. “We had a particularly good partnership with the managers and staff at Royal van Lent, who responded magnificently to the many new technical and design challenges we posed and were always completely honest about what they thought would and would not work. Having now spent some time sailing it is amazing that every day I find stunning new features. You really do have to live onboard a Feadship to appreciate that from bow to stern and from sun deck to tank deck, everything is the product of incredible design and workmanship.”

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine Bar area dining room with balcony folded out

The split-level concept

Understanding both the exterior profile and interior layout of Lady Christine yacht first requires an explanation of the vessel’s notable split-level concept. In the original briefing, the wheelhouse was in a more traditional ‘bridge deck’ location. As the design evolved, however, the owners decided that this was the perfect location for an observation lounge. The wheelhouse was therefore moved down a level and the forward part of the deck was raised in order to create a complete owners’ deck, including an observation lounge above the wheelhouse.

The forward sections of the three decks below were then also raised, as a result of which MY Lady Christine has, in essence, six decks:

•     The sun deck, including Key West lounge

•     The raised owners’ deck including the observation lounge

•     The owners’ deck (featuring stateroom and private aft area)

•     The main deck (lounge, dining room, bar)/raised lower deck (captain’s cabin, crew quarters, ship’s office, galley) / raised main deck (wheelhouse)

•     The lower deck (guest area)/raised tank deck (crew mess, crew cabins, cinema)

•     The tank deck

The split-level concept generates a great deal of extra space underneath and between the various decks. This means M.Y. Lady Christine has an amount of storage that is exceptional even by Feadship standards,

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine - Main Entrance

Exterior concept

Even without taking the split level arrangement into account, super yacht Lady Christine has by no means a traditional Feadship exterior. At the owners’ request, a significant number of features were taken from their previous Oceanco yacht, including the striking elliptical windows. “As we had some 18 metres extra available we accentuated the yacht’s length by stretching the long arrow further and further towards the bow,” explains Ruud Bakker from De Voogt Naval Architects.

“Obviously the overall styling had to be brought up to Feadship standards, for example by giving Lady Christine much more tumblehome. We also added a range of signature Feadship elements such as the continuous detailing and the upright forward-looking windows of the wheelhouse, observation lounge and Key West room. Great care was also taken to ensure that the radius and the details are exactly in proportion on each deck.”

In addition to the distinctive styling element of the enormous and flowing-shaped windows on the main deck and owner’s stateroom, another direct request from the owners was the green colouring elements in the superstructure that match the green of the glass and the false windows.

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine - His Study

“The fake windows are intended to keep the sequence going and ensure a continuous line of windows,” continues Bakker. “This is one of many ways that we have ensured that Lady Christine’s exterior profile is exciting to look at from every angle. Lines keep on moving and curving as you follow them with your eyes. While being a large yacht at a distance, seen from the quayside, entire solid structures seem to disappear thanks to the sweeping lines. Looking from bow to aft and from stern to bow the exterior looks very light and holds the attention for a long time. The fact that Lady Christine is such an architectural tour de force is a testimony to the virtuosity and fairing skills of the Feadship builders.”

Lady Christine’s funnel (tower) is a design element in its own right, positioned to maximise the freedom required for a helicopter to land. Style-wise it holds everything together as the line from the bow stretches through all three forward superstructures and ends in the funnel.

There is only one large dome and one small dome, with the normal satellite television domes being noticeably absent. Because the owners prefer to read books when onboard (and have a good collection of DVDs to meet any lingering desire for small screen entertainment) there is no satellite TV onboard of superyacht Lady Christine.

The captain says that he and his crew do not miss television: On the contrary, its omission actually brings the team closer together as they spend more time interacting together. Charter guests are not a concern as Lady Christine is a purely private yacht and will never be chartered under her current owners. All television is likely to be via VSAT by the time any future owners take possession of the yacht, and Lady Christine already benefits from an exceptionally well distributed internet set-up, both wired and WiFi.

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine - Owners Deck

Interior concept

S/Y Lady Christine has an elaborate interior, with extraordinary levels of fine detailing and finish throughout. With the exception of the guest suites and the original design for the cinema, which were designed by Jean Guy Vergès, the entire interior comes from the boards of Rodney Black Design Studios. Renowned for creating sumptuous architecture, landscape and interiors onshore, Lady Christine is the company’s first superyacht project. Rodney Black and Royal Van Lent teamed up with Feadship’s joinery company Van der Loo and a formidable team of specialists for the furniture, engraved glass, carpets and curtains. The result is a wonderful fusion of materials, fabrics, woods, glass, precious metals and marbles that offers endless surprises at each and every turn.

“We started out the design thinking of an early rarefied form of Art Deco based on the 1925 exhibition in Paris,” explains Rodney Black from his studio in England. “This pure modernist expression featured a pared down form of classicism using the most beautiful materials and shapes imaginable at the time. The style for Lady Christine takes this as her foundation, and while there are clear flashbacks of Art Deco throughout, nothing has been copied. This is a unique design in its own right.”

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine - Owners Bathroom

A keynote feature is the liberal use of marquetry and inlay work throughout the vessel. Marquetry – the art and craft of covering a structural frame with small pieces of veneer to form decorative patterns, designs or pictures – is most spectacularly on view in the entrance to the main deck and owner’s deck. Here three large marquetry panels, each up to 1.90 metres in width, adorn the gently curved walls and depict iconic architectural structures such as the Taj Mahal, the Empire State building and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Created by the specialised Welsh company Aryma, they feature woods such as maple, birch, cherry and maple with specialised staining adding to the rich pallet of colours. “Looking at these panels, it is hard to realise that such skilfully made inlaid woodwork is possible today – but it is and it rivals the quality of marquetry from any age,” asserts Black.

One of the clear unifying features throughout the super yacht Lady Christine’s interior, found in various forms on doors, cabinets, tables and chairs, is a motif drawn by Rodney Black’s team. “The initial inspiration for this design came from the Art Deco designer Edgar Brandt and a fire screen that he created in 1925,” Black explains. “Taking this as the basic idea we developed a motif which has a simple theme but is composed of hundreds of parts. It is like a crystallised pyrotechnic display streaming out from a geometric base in parabolic shapes.”

Another virtually ever-present aspect of the interior is the intriguing synthesis of four woods: macassar ebony, maple, cherry and an exotic amboyna burr.

“The way the craftsmen at Royal Van Lent have managed consistently to craft these timbers to our most demanding designs and shapes has been quite remarkable,” concludes Black, who like the owners has found the experience of working with Feadship very rewarding.

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine Owner Bathroom

A tour of the superyacht Lady Christine

Following the six-deck template given above, our tour of Lady Christine motor yacht will move from top to bottom.

The sun deck

Lady Christine is a tall yacht and at her peak on the sun deck is a hugely impressive indoor area called the Key West Room. A fabulous place to sit and relax with virtually 360-degree views, this is the area that the owners use most during the day when cruising for informal lunches or a very relaxed dinner. Resplendent in teak, Lady Laidlaw calls this the ‘shoes-off room’.

The central table is made of a natural teak root that was initially slated to be to be hung from  the ceiling. However, as it weighs over 400 kg the piece was given a stainless steel base,  cleaned, waxed, polished and topped off with an attractive glass top. The table is  surrounded by polka dot chairs featuring various olive, gold and chocolate colours. Above is  a reflective ceiling with two layers of antique mirror surrounding a fabric panel of faux ostrich.

A decorative highlight of the room are the alternating octagonal columns with flat pilasters,  while the bar and servery is also made of teak.

There are various cooking options available on the sun deck aft area, including a BBQ,  teppanyaki grill and pizza oven. The furthest aft area serves as a storage spot for a rescue  boat, a 19 ft crew/owners tender and a small sailing boat, all launched by the rescue boat  crane that can also act a 2000 kg cargo crane. The primary purpose of this section of the  deck is to serve as a helipad, a facility that is regularly used as Lord Laidlaw enjoys flying a  helicopter himself. All the railings can be hinged out for safe operations, and there are lots of  lashing points. The strength and fire fighting appliances comply with Lloyd’s regulations and  the deck can handle a craft of up to 2.8 tonnes in weight. A completely watertight hatch  covering the staircase down to the owners’ deck aft is also strong enough to withstand the  same weight.

Moving forward of the Key West room, this entire area of the sun deck can be covered by a giant awning to create a massive inside-out effect. On the port side is a sliding hatch covering the crew staircase, which descends all the way down to the tank deck. There is also a food lift station, which at the press of a button rises to the flush point on the sun deck. Once the hatch has been opened the lift then ingeniously rises up to service level. Another inventive addition – and certainly an unusual one for a 68-metre motoryacht – is a flybridge, featuring two pilot chairs so that the owner can sit next to the skipper. Everything needed to operate the yacht is found here, including electronic chart, conning display and autopilot. The idea of having this control option revolves around coastal exploration.

When the owners see a lovely little bay they wish to discover there is no need to run down to the wheelhouse to request a change of course. Located at knee height when unused, the captain only needs to open up the hatch, press a button and the entire flybridge rises up to the right control level. On the starboard side of the deck is the entrance to the owners’ staircase, a circular structure that spirals all the way down to the cinema on the tank deck.

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine - Beach Platform

The raised owners’ deck

With a full 180-degrees of windows ensuring a panoramic vista, the full beam owners’ observation room is a sensational place to watch the world go by, and reflects the fact that Lady Christine Yacht will be travelling anywhere from the Philippines to Papua New Guinea, Alaska to Ecuador. This is very much a private sitting room for Lord and Lady Laidlaw, hence the fact that there are only two chairs facing forward and a two-seater dining table. As the owners do not envisage entertaining guests here, the two beige coloured sofas are more than sufficient for times of relaxation. Added cosiness in colder climates is provided by an electric fireplace, bordered by bookshelves and a marble surround. The painting above can be lowered behind the fireplace structure to reveal a television, which is used very occasionally for watching a movie.

Many of the themes that we will encounter throughout the rest of the public areas are seen in various shapes and sizes within the observation room, ranging from the motif on the cabinet doors to the Alabaster light fitting. The glass table forms a pair with the table in the main lounge and the small side table is similar to the one in ‘his’ study, although this version has mirror polished stainless steel legs. Aft of the observation room is the owner’s gymnasium with a treadmill, cycling machine and other exercise equipment.

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine - Key West Room

The owners’ deck

There is a growing trend among owners to establish their own deck in order to have a genuinely private onboard haven, and the wonderful facilities on this deck are likely to encourage even more to follow suit. Lord and Lady Laidlaw always sail with their two dogs, and this is one of the reasons why the master stateroom has been deliberately left uncluttered and spacious, embracing the full beam of the boat. The giant windows in this room accentuate the open ambience created by fitting only a large bed and a sofa/sideboard arrangement.

Of course, this statement belies the enormous sophistication of these two furnished zones. On the headboard of the bed, for example, is a fan-shaped padded silk panel, set into the inlay of the wall panelling. On each side are reconditioned antique silver wall sconces, with shades made of alabaster. The bed head also has the same door motif, this time in ebony to contrast with the maple on the doors. And above is an octagonal ceiling dome that transforms gradually into a circular dome in an incredibly complex piece of joinery.

On the aft wall are two silk panels, flanking a painting by Barrington Bramley. This visual centrepiece is a copy of a fresco by Stefan Norblin that the owners saw in a palace in Rajasthan during a cross-India rally. The artist was sent a selection of the blue-green and gold hued fabrics so that he could have a connection when creating his expert copy.

Of even greater intricacy are the two sideboard units and a sleigh design sofa, which is curved in plan and again fiendishly difficult to make. The glass table with mirror polished stainless steel looks delicate but is held in place by a large stabilising base plate under the carpet.

The quest for the finest of fine detailing is taken even further in the two studies located aft of the stateroom. Both ‘his’ and ‘her study have wonderful views aft and to the sides, with glass doors leading to a large private aft deck. Here the similarities end.

Located on the starboard side, Lord Laidlaw’s study is a triumph of flame mahogany. This wood is a particular favourite of his and was chosen to give a sophisticated and masculine look, with the same inlay of macassar ebony used elsewhere offering an air of continuity. The joinery work in this study is exceptional, with a fine example being the curved corners that soften the whole atmosphere of the room. A specific architectural order sets the tone here: The top moulding of the cornice runs right round, with a triple bead of ebony in the panels beneath, then the flame mahogany sitting inside an ebony banded panel within that. The stripes of macassar create the illusory pilasters, while there is also another scene setter in the form of a roped column in the bookshelves.

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine - Her Study

The owner spends most mornings working on his splendid catamaran desk, made of rosewood with brass inlays and a leather trim. The double curvature on the legs, which are curved in plan and tapered in section, made this table a cabinet maker’s tour de force. Another delightful piece is the small round side table with brass legs and inlays.

While Lady Laidlaw’s study is a mirror image on the port side in terms of size and layout, it has an altogether different atmosphere and is – if possible – is even more intricately detailed. A feminine and flamboyant approach has been taken in the choice of materials, with the main panels being of mother of pearl, framed in cherrywood with ebony mouldings and amboyna panels. Delightful criss-cross ebony inlay columns are topped off with a shell capital in gold leaf.

The desk has a cantilevered glass top which is held in place by a stainless steel column veneered in amboyna burr. Here we see the shell motif from the wall pilasters in two stories, as the centre post of the backing support, while on the back of the desk is a delicate inlay that repeats the pattern on the walls.

Located forward of the bedroom, the awe-inspiring owners’ bathroom is made particularly lovely by the quality of the book-matched cream onyx and its soft mouldings. The vanity unit has a yellow onyx inlaid top and inlaid cherry cabinet doors and curved panels. Mirrors conceal several wall cabinets, while the adjacent glass panels have engraved designs and a silver mirrored backing that gives a glow to the engraved glass. The motifs on the glass are of a mythical antelope, a large-lobed petal design and a contrasting geometric design and triangular chevron frieze. The lobed design appears on the floor in different coloured onyx and also on the ceiling.

The toilet and medicine cabinet are reached through matching inlaid cherry doors between which the shower has onyx columns, each with a stainless steel core and engraved glass panels and door repeating the motif of the centre wall panel. The shower is lined in matching onyx with a seat surrounded by a trefoil arch also in onyx. The door opposite the entrance into the bathroom leads to the dressing room. This features ample hanging space, cupboards and drawers for him and her, plus a lift-up-lid dressing ottoman for laundry items.

The main deck/raised main deck

The formal entrance to Lady Christine luxury motoryacht on the main deck makes an instant and dramatic impression on all who board her. In addition to being the first time that guests get to see the phenomenal marquetry panels, there is also a fabulous central spiral staircase that winds up to the two decks above and down to the cinema below. Decorated with faux ostrich and ultra-suede panels and a bronzed steel balustrade, the staircase itself is made of opulent cherry wood. The string wraps up around the staircase and then becomes part of the horizontal circular band in the middle of the stairwell. This effect then follows itself all the way up to the sun deck in what is an exceptional piece of carpentry.

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine - Gym

The entrance hall itself features large interlocking lobes of Aegon white marble with Nero Marquin edging and columns of the same Aegon marble with silver lacquer bands and base. The route forward is made even more splendid by a very special display cabinet containing a model of the Seven Provinces, a generous gift to the owners from Royal Van Lent.

Entering into the full beam bar and dining room, one is instantly struck by the effect of the full-height windows. The sense of wonder increases when these giant glass structures are opened up on both sides of the room and a large platform slides out horizontally from beneath the floor to create terraces to both port and starboard. Increasing the beam of the deck in this area to almost 15 metres, the ‘balconies’ offer lots of space for tables and chairs and are fenced off by stainless steel stanchions with transparent Lexan instead of glass in order to be safe for the canine guests.

The dogs will have to be more careful when the giant sliding doors that can be used to split the dining room and bar areas are in place, although the superb engraving work makes the glass clearly visible. In such a large full width space, the idea here is to keep the doors closed while guests are having an aperitif in the bar, then roll them back to offer an element of surprise as they see the table laid for the first time. Experiencing the effect of the room being transformed into a single space is also a memorable moment.

One of the many highlights of the dining room is a pair of sideboards with a niche for statues that is flanked by antique mirrored glass. Inspired by the work of Emile Jacques Ruhlmann, these exquisite pieces are designed to generate even more of a sense of space, with the quarter rounded niche appearing to be a fully rounded structure due to the reflections.

The key pattern rising up the side of the mirrors and around the ceiling gives a reference to Greek architecture, and a smart solution to bring air conditioning through the small holes that look like black blocks. In other places the pattern is embellished, for example with mother-of•pearl on the architrave either side of the glass partition doors. The same key pattern design also returns in the sculpted carpet.

Incredibly, all the carpets for Lady Christine were made from templates, made exactly to fit and delivered in one piece for each room. The elaborate sculpting work was not therefore stitched into place once the carpet was laid: Each motif or inlay has been fabricated into the carpets themselves, right down to the little stripe that follows up the stairs. The technical wizardry in achieving this is astounding as it leaves no room for correcting any error upon fitting…

And indeed, no error was found.

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine - Cinema

Above the dining table, the recessed panel in the elliptical ceiling contains the air inlets. The special alabaster light fitting, also seen in the bar and main lounge ceilings, features antique glass surrounds and a lacquered silver finish.

Endowed with the same level of finishing and detail, the bar area has a number of special items. The bar itself features a series of engraved glass panels, which are based on photographs taken by Lord Laidlaw and a professional photographer companion during a safari trip. An LED strip set on the top edge of the glass illuminates these images to striking effect.

The C. Bechstein grand piano has been reconditioned and re-faced with a new inlay that is in keeping with the rest of the room. It also has a simple climate control device in order to keep the piano in tune in a room that experiences humidity variations. With a full electronic player function that includes hundreds of songs, this is a very sophisticated piece of musical equipment in every sense.

Accessible from both the bar and dining room, the main deck lounge is another splendid place. Gorgeous cherry panels with maple inlay are interspersed with six glass columns containing carved glass figurines in a niche. The glass is profiled in order to create a fluted appearance to the columns and backed onto an antique bronze mirror to give depth and seemingly infinite reflections from the facetted surfaces. The columns are divided into three pieces by picture and dado rails, which give logic to the entire room, and support a cornice with a lacquered silver finish.

An even greater degree of precision was required in terms of both craftsmanship and engineering to create the recessed dome ceiling, which is one of the largest ever made for a superyacht. Known as a Vitruvian scroll, the ‘endless’ wave pattern made from inlays of ebony and maple stretches all the way round and fits seamlessly without a break. Creating such a giant dome also meant pushing the limits of the air conditioning ducting, with everything allocated to the edges.

Because of the expansive nature of the room, Lord and Lady Laidlaw and Rodney Black set out to create the most comfortable conversation area possible. The sofas have been set at the optimum distance for people chatting with each other, and fit exactly within the oval shape of the carpet and recessed ceiling. The sofa-back tables have their function as their origin, enabling Lord Laidlaw to set out photographs taken during the day (and printed in the study) as a pre-dinner conversation piece.

At the forward end of the lounge are two large bookshelves either side of a painting hanging recess. The owners have deliberately chosen to create a homely feeling by placing books that they have actually read and enjoyed, plus Lord Laidlaw’s exceptional collection of leather-bound albums containing photos from his various cruises. Another impressive curved cabinet completes the elegant ambience.

The main deck aft area is also full of surprises. Instead of a central double sliding door, there are two separate doors on either side of a central seating arrangement. This layout is based on the owner’s experiences of how they and their guests use a yacht, as was the incorporation of a dedicated shoe locker with lots of deep drawers. The contra-flow swimming pool is of a good size and Lord Laidlaw reports that he has found it very enjoyable to use.
Returning forward, the raised part of this deck is used for service and crew. A carefully thought-through layout means that there are two zones between the galley and the dining room, namely a serving area and a dishwasher room, which are both finished to the highest standards. This ensures that the sights and sounds of the bustling galley never intrude on the diners. The galley itself is a fully professional kitchen, with convection ovens, steam ovens, a range of microwaves and everything else that could possibly be required for creating haute cuisine. There is even a desk where the chef can compose menus in a galley that is flooded with natural light through the large windows.

Opposite the galley on the starboard side is the ensuite captain’s cabin. Forward are the first of the generous crew accommodations, quite a number of which have beds side by side rather than bunks.

Moving further forward to the raised main deck, to port is a ship’s office with various workstations, with an air conditioning room opposite. The wheelhouse is classic Feadship, with the conning display, two radars, electronics, CCTV and alarm systems efficiently spread across six screens. Great care has been taken to ensure there is no reflection of any equipment in the vertical wheelhouse windows. And excellent visibility is further assured by the provision of a raised platform that can be used for an extra view over the bow, although the current captain says that he has had no need to use this facility.

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine - Crew Mess

The lower deck

The lower deck is home to four guest suites, one with twin beds and the other three with doubles, all placed athwartships rather than the traditional fore and aft arrangement. Poplar joinery is the main decorative theme of the suites, and the two forward cabins have walk-in closets. There is a large amount of storage space available in the lobby for suitcases and linen, including under the floor across the entire guest area.
Spaciousness is also the first thing one notices upon arrival in the engine room, which is spread out across two levels. The entrance on the lower deck is via a sound-proofed control room/main switchboard room, and every piece of equipment has been placed in such a way that it can be serviced from any angle.

Luxury SuperYachtLady Christine is powered by 12-cylinder MTUs, not the 16 cylinder engines one might expect on a yacht of this size. This reflects the fact that the owners are never in a hurry and find a top speed of 15.5 knots easily sufficient. Another novelty is the placement of the three 300kW generators on the tank deck, rather than in an enclosure in the engine room. When Lady Christine is running on the generators there is no sound at all, even when standing outside the generator rooms, nor does one feel any vibrations when starting up the generators from the control room. This insulation is one of the reasons why the yacht is so incredibly quiet both underway and in harbour. And even the engineer’s eardrums are well catered for: The generators are split between two rooms to provide a quiet environment during maintenance and service work.

Heading forward of the engineroom, on the starboard side is a luxurious cinema for eight decorated with icons of the movie world. To port is the crew mess with two large tables and a partitioned galley. Furthest aft on the lower deck is the tender garage. The main entrance is via the elegant swim platform, and a guest powder room has been located in the corridor so that guests do not have to go upstairs when spending the period in this beach club area. The lazarette itself is a very big space, easily housing a 23-foot tender that is launched athwartships via a platform that folds down rather than up in order to increase the options for launching when in a swell. This set up also facilitates bringing out the two owners’ catamarans onto the platform, where they can be rigged prior to launching.

Underneath the floor are two Lloyd’s-approved helicopter fuel tanks contained in a separate cofferdam plus a fuel pumping system that ensures a consistent flow to the fuelling station on the sun deck. Also contained in this lazarette are all kinds of water toys, scuba gear, an emergency generator and, beneath the floorboards, the heating and filtration system for the swimming pool and waterfall. In another tribute to Feadship quality, even the emergency generator space is finished to the highest possible standard and very accessible.
As is the case with the foredeck and the helipad, the floor covering of the lazarette and launch platform is made of Future Teak, an eco-friendly product from the Dutch company Bolidt that is much easier to work with for the crew. While Future Teak can be made into planks, the owners deemed that unnecessary here.

Feadship Super Yacht Lady Christine - Birds View

Tank deck

The tank deck is much higher than head height and the volume created here for storage is outstanding. Highlights include a massive laundry room, with four washing and drying machines, all of which can be serviced from behind without moving them. The same applies to the huge walk-in refrigerator and freezer as the Feadship designers once again ensure a comfortable life for all who board Lady Christine.

Technical specifications of the Super Yacht Lady Christine
Builder: Feadship – Royal Van Lent Type: Twin screw motor yacht, steel hull and aluminium superstructure
Length overall:  68.00m  223’1”
Beam overall:  12.50m  41’0”
Draft (loaded):  3.60m  11’10”

Fuel capacity: 179,500 l 47,400 US Gallons Fresh water capacity: 45,300 l 11,900 US Gallons
Design:
Naval Architect: De Voogt Naval Architects Exterior styling: De Voogt Naval Architects Interior design: Rodney Black Design

Propulsion
Main engines: 2x MTU 12V4000 M60, 1320 kW @ 1800rpm Generators: 3x MTU 8V2000 M50 Stabilizers: 4x Quantum non-retractable zero-speed stabilizers

Accommodation

Owner:     Owner’s accommodation divided over split level deck: full-beam owners’ stateroom with owners’ bathroom, separate his & her studies. Full-beam owners’ observation lounge and gymnasium on the raised owner’s deck. Main deck lounge, main deck bar and dining room to seat twelve; cinema room.

Guests: Eight guest in four guest staterooms Crew: Nineteen in ten crew cabins; plus two in captains cabin; laundry room and storage rooms on tank deck. Water sports: Diving equipment, sailboats, helicopter